Is The Nap Problematic?

[J214]

I recently saw The Nap at MTC and felt that the show had many problematic jokes that came across to me as culturally insensitive, transphobic, and sexist.

 

Click Here To Toggle Spoiler Content

It also had an act of violence at the end of act one that did not have a content warning in the playbill. A character is shot in the head. There is a loud bang and blood is spattered against the wall behind the character from a blood cannon. Pretty graphic for a farce. 

. - Anyone see the show want to share their thoughts? 

 

[EJ24642]

I didn't leave with the same feeling. I think the show as a whole, especially the humor, is very British and in this case is also subjective. However, I do agree that there should be a content warning for the end of the first act.

[mamaleh]

What was problematic for me was the show's publicizing that it was by the playwright of ONE MAN TWO GUVNORS.  I probably shouldn't have expected something on that superior level, but I did, which resulted in my being somewhat disappointed at what I saw on stage.  It was mildly funny but I was hoping for more physical comedy and a performance or two comparable to the James Corden-level in the earlier show, probably the most laugh-inducing piece I've ever seen on stage. (along with THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG).  I almost feel I've been "snookered."

[LarryD2]

I have not seen the play yet, but the transgender role is being played by one of the most outspoken trans actors and activists in the country. I have a hard time believing she would take the part if she found it exploitative.

[BroadwayConcierge]

I have to imagine that Alexandra Billings wouldn’t sign up for a show with transphobic undertones.

Although the Act 1 ending is indeed jarring, the lead-up to the “act of violence” can be pretty expected in the moments preceding it.

[EthelMae]

Wish the "act of violence at the end of the first act" was mentioned in a "Spoiler"! I'm seeing it this weekend and could have done without the reveal!

Alice: Oh, Ralph has tickets to a Broadway show tonight...it's an exciting mystery called Murder Strikes Out.
Mother: Oh that. I had a neighbor, Mrs. Findlay, she didn't think much of it.
Alice: Oh really? The papers said it was a very exciting mystery.
Mother: Oh, the papers, that's just a lot of publicity. All that to do about thrills, chills, and excitement. And that nonsense about "don't tell your friends the surprise ending", well it was no surprise to Mrs. Findlay. She said she knew all the time that it wasn't the uncle who committed the murder it was the husband!
Ralph: You! are a blabber mouth! A blabber mouth! You! Blabber mouth! Out!

[(Insert Clever Name)]

If one of you could say what the “act of violence” is in a spoiler box that would be wonderful!

[EJ24642]

(Insert Clever Name) said: "If one of you could say what the “act of violence” is in a spoiler box that would be wonderful!"

 

Click Here To Toggle Spoiler Content

There's a gunshot, where it looks like Waxy has shot someone through the head

 

[J214]

Sorry about that! I thought I was being vague enough for it to not be counted as a spoiler. I also did not know how to add one but I figured it out and edited the post with more description. My apologies. 

[macnyc]

This show is so awful, the more you're spoiled, the better!

 

[haterobics]

The real issue becomes is the show putting these forward as an idealized worldview? Or are there characters in the show who are just not woke (which is pretty legit)?

[macnyc]

None of the characters are woke.

[quizking101]

Lincoln got shot in the theatre, and he didn’t need a content warning!

(That’s my joke for the day. Good night!)

[Elfuhbuh]

Are we going to make a thread like this every time a show opens?

[BroadwayRox3588]

Elfuhbuh said: "Are we going to make a thread like this every time ashow opens?"

Yep. Fake "wokedness" is all the rage these days. All the cool kids are doing it. (I tried to type that with a straight face; I did not succeed)

[GavestonPS]

It's a terrible title.

Content warnings are bull**** (except for general parental warnings: we make lots of exceptions for minors)! Suspense and surprise have been dramatic elements since Sophocles. If you are too fragile for the theater, you have my sympathy but take responsibility for yourself and stay home. And for God's sake, don't turn on your TV. Or read a book...

[JBroadway]

I consider myself a strong supporter of political correctness, and I support the use of content warnings, for reasons I explained thoroughly in this thread. And while the posts of Gaveston and BroadwayRox make me extremely tempted to continue arguing those points, I won't get into them again (for reasons that I also explained at the end of that thread)

But I will say this: In the case of The Nap, and the transgender issues, I think Haterobics and Macnyc hit it on the head: the problematic comments are made predominately by characters who are depicted as very ignorant, and none-too-bright. It's important view things in context, and take into consideration what kind of worldview the playwright is depicting, and what they are trying to say with it. 

And I will also say to the OP: you are in for a world of unrelenting frustration if you continue to bring up social issue like this on this message board. I know from experience. Do yourself a favor and look elsewhere for informed social dialogue. 

I won't be posting in this thread again. 

[ScottyDoesn'tKnow2]

JBroadway said: "And I will also say to the OP: you are in for a world of unrelenting frustration if you continue to bring up social issue like this on this message board. I know from experience. Do yourself a favor and look elsewhere for informed social dialogue.

I won't be posting in this thread again."

This is the most accurate description of BWW.

 

[everythingtaboo]

mamaleh said: "What was problematic for me was the show's publicizing that it was by the playwright of ONE MAN TWO GUVNORS. I probably shouldn't have expected something on that superior level, but I did, which resulted in my being somewhat disappointed at what I saw on stage. It was mildly funny but I was hoping for more physical comedy and a performance or two comparable to the James Corden-level in the earlier show, probably the most laugh-inducing piece I've ever seen on stage. (along with THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG). I almost feel I've been "snookered.""

I mean, was it not written by the same guy that wrote One Man, Two Guvnors? It's not like they were lying to you about that. That audience would expect a certain level just based on a name is advertising at its finest.

[NotTheComfyChair]

mamaleh said: "What was problematic for me was the show's publicizing that it was by the playwright of ONE MAN TWO GUVNORS. I probably shouldn't have expected something on that superior level, but I did, which resulted in my being somewhat disappointed at what I saw on stage. It was mildly funny but I was hoping for more physical comedy and a performance or two comparable to the James Corden-level in the earlier show, probably the most laugh-inducing piece I've ever seen on stage. (along with THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG). I almost feel I've been "snookered.""

"One Man Two Guvnors" is an adaption of a Commedia Dell'arte piece and therefore would, by necessity, have been written as piece of physical theatre. The Nap, like many of Richard Bean's other plays, is more of a verbal piece than "One Man..." I actually think the verbal humor of The Nap is better than in One Man though the physical humor of One Man was amazing.

[The Lion Roars]

Why is everyone so damn sensitive these days? Whats next is breathing going to be problematic cause transphobic, cause transphobic people breathe air?

People like these characters exsist in the world. Its who they are, why we need to take offense to every single thing a character says is beyond me?

We live in a world where you cant create anything without fear of being accused of not being political correct. Who tf cares? If it offendes you, dont watch it again. No need to bring attention to it. Yeesh.

[lightguy06222]

the title was TERRIBLE.

The first scene DRAGSSSS on and on and on....

BUT.  By the time I got to intermission.  I found myself invested.  I cared about the characters, the story, and I wanted to see what would happen, and how it would tie up.

GREAT twist in act two that I wasn't expecting...

By the end of the play, I found i had thoroughly enjoyed myself.

And they play POOL ONSTAGE.  well not pool, Snooker.  Same concept, different game.

I think THAT was the most exciting thing for me.  Every time an actor sank a shot, I found myself getting Giddy.  It was exciting!!!  But what would happen if they MISSED the shot?!?!?!?!    And they were supposed to MAKE the shot to continue the show?!?!  It was very stressful but exciting.

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed myself......

Then again, I was a seat filler who paid $5 bucks to see the show..........